Antenatal evaluation of upper gastrointestinal dilatation complicated by non-immune hydrops fetalis and...

A case of upper gastrointestinal dilatation associated with fluid collection in the peritoneal cavity is reported where the prenatal diagnosis was made sonographically in a non-immunologic hydrops fetalis. Neither generalized edema nor pleural effusion were detected. Polyhydramnios was complicated. Almost complete drainage of the abdominal fluid was accomplished with rapid re-accumulation of fetal ascites and no resolution of intestinal dilatation. After delivery by Cesarean section, the male infant died the next day due to respiratory distress syndrome. Postmortem histologic examination failed to confirm the ultrasonographic findings including ileal obstruction and subsequent hypoplasia in the colon. Despite the discrepancy between clinical and pathologic findings, the findings of this case would improve the etiology of hydrops where no possible cause is found.